Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
